Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you and your family make for our country s freedom! God Bless the USA! -Ashleigh in Fayetteville, N.C.

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1 Words cannot truly express how thankful we are for the sacrifices that you and your family are making. Our prayers are with you all. God bless you. Anonymous Dear Friends, From the peace and tranquility of our home in Asheville, N.C. our thoughts and prayers are with you as is our pride and gratitude for all you do everyday for all of us at home. Our fathers are WWII veterans and their service is honored by yours. Never forget that what you are doing is important, valued and appreciated by your families, friends, communities and country. Freedom will always require vigilance, but we pray with you and for you that yours will be the last generation needed to fight for freedom. Let it be when day us done, the battle won, that home you come to enduring peace and loving arms. If we can do anything to help you, please let us know. A grateful nation stands with you. Godspeed. -Dr. Christopher Pratt and Mrs. Jimmie Cochran Pratt in Asheville, N.C. Bless you all for the job you are doing. Be safe and God bless. As I stand here on my family farm, I realize that our freedom has not come easy. I thank you for keeping us safe. My generation let our Viet Nam vets, I hope we don t do this again to you. Thank you. -Chloe T., Big Mill Bed & Breakfast in Williamston, N.C. We wish to thank all of you who have sacrificed so much for the liberties we are blessed to have in this great country of ours. We do not take these freedoms for granted. May God bless you and keep you in His care- May you be home soon. Many thanks for your service. -Tom & Paula V. May God bless you for all that you are doing for our country. Thank you for sharing your life and protecting us and enabling us to live in our land and having the security and freedoms that we do have. -Ann D in Thomasville, N.C. I ll be praying that you keep safe, be careful, and that you ll come home soon. -Anne B. in Greensboro, N.C. Thank you for what you are doing and sacrificing, and that of your families, so that we may live in freedom, peace and have choices. We pray for you and your families constantly. God bless and be with you. Cindy M. in Conover, N.C. To all the soldiers around the world. Thank you for your service to our country and for keeping freedom alive for all. There is no better country than the United States of America and she is great because of you and your fellow comrades. Wherever you serve, take care and be safe. I salute you! -Ann C. in N.C. Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you and your family make for our country s freedom! God Bless the USA! -Ashleigh in Fayetteville, N.C. have a son in the Air Force and son-in-law in the Army and I see the sacrifices they make for this country - And their families as well. Thank you for your service and I pray God will watch over you and your families every day. The men and women serving selflessly in our nation s armed forces are following a long tradition of patriots who put their lives on the line in defense of freedom, security, and liberty. We salute them and honor them everyday. They are in our prayers and thoughts. God bless! Richard P. in Zebulon, N.C. We go through our daily lives, thinking of many issues as earth shattering. Reality is--we can be in control--most especially, we are thankful for all of you who guard and protect us. You who give your time and virtually lives for people who are strangers. We need more representatives like you and can never say in words how VERY much we appreciate all you are and do!! Thank you for being a person who cares, who is willing to sacrifice in order for us to continue to have a grand place to share--the USA and N.C.! You earn stars in your crown every minute of every day for all you undergo. You will gain recognition, always be proud of yourself and certainly know we are of you!! God Bless you, give you strength, raise you up if you fall and in your heart give you the peace that passeth all understanding. Stay strong, be happy! -Betsy and Al Poindexter in Summerfield, N.C.

2 you will be returning safely soon to this area and to your family. Thank you for your service for this great country of ours. -Adele and John Kenny in Asheville, N.C. Just saying thanks is not enough for what you do, but I do want you to know that we think about you and that we care. I have lived through several wars including WWII, but this one have hit me the hardest. I guess it is because we see so much of what you face daily on TV, but I am sure that I can never know how much you suffer. From my heart, THANK YOU and may God bless you and look after you. Thank you so much for your service to our country. Thank you for making us feel secure and safe. You are very special! God loves you and we do, too. -Melissa and Alan H. in Leland, N.C. We are so proud of our brave young men and women in the military. I am a Kindergarten teacher and have made my children understand how proud they should be to live in the United States of America. We also talk about your role in helping us to keep our country strong and free. Thank you and God Bless you all! -Rusty in N.C. Thank you for serving our country by helping other nations. Being away from home cannot be easy, but positive thoughts and prayers are being sent to you from Tampa, Florida USA!! Take care of yourself!!! May God bless you and your family!! -Airlie in Tampa, FL Words are not enough to show my love, appreciation, and pride in your service to our country. My younger brother became an Officer in the United States Navy this past fall and I never fully understood the meaning of pride and honor until then. Your devotion, sacrifice, and unconditional work is noticed. This corner of N.C. thanks you for all that you do and all that you stand for, God Bless you and your family! -Allison J. in Garner, N.C. We are so proud of you, wherever you may be serving around the world. And we hope that you will enjoy receiving this copy of Our State Magazine. The article and pictures of Ft. Bragg are wonderful. It is our prayer that Thanks for your service and your sacrifice. I served for 7 years myself so I know that freedom does not come free. Know that I stand with you and support you everyday. That goes for friends and family all over this area. God bless! -Alan H. in Harmony, N.C. Just like to take time to thank you fellows for the great job you are doing. As a fellow veteran of the Vietnam war when the times get unbearable suck it in and keep going. We represent the greatest fighting forces in the World I don t care what anybody says. Good luck. -Al & Jan Byrd USMC in Pleasant Garden, N.C. As the mother of a Marine, I can only say thank you for your dedication which continues to amaze me. God Bless our Troops. -Alice J. in High Point, N.C. You guys are great! I appreciate everything each of you are doing to protect us back here in the USA. God speed and my prayers for a safe return for each of you! -Al C. in Oxford, N.C. Having never served in the Armed Forces, I find it difficult to actually relate to the many experiences and emotions you must feel. I did have the opportunity to work with and treat the men and women at Fort Bragg in the capacity of a Contract Dentist, and I considered it an honor. I know you get weary, so very tired, hungry, lonely, and feel like you are at the end of the world at that dropping off place from time to time. There are so many here in the States that STILL love you, respect you and and what you stand for, and truly appreciate all that you do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul. -Dr. Penny Cline, DMD in Raleigh, N.C. I personally appreciate all you do to protect the freedoms we enjoy here in the United States. May God watch over you and protect you in all you do. I appreciate the sacrifice you make in leaving your family behind to perform your duties in service. May God bless you and watch over you and bring you safely back to your family.

3 comrades are in my thoughts and prayers!!!! -Anne A. in Hillsborough Words cannot express enough the pride that it gives me, knowing that you are sacrificing your life so that we may continue to have the freedoms that our constitution gives us. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless. -Amelia G. in Port Charlotte, FL To all the Men and Women serving, Please know that what you do is appreciated and that we realize that freedom isn t free! I am sure that you are ready to come home and see your loved ones and I pray that day comes soon for you. Please be safe and stay focused on the challenge ahead of you. Just remember that we appreciate you and are praying for your safe return. Thanks. -Andy C. in Kernersville God Bless you and your family as you protect and defend. War is not an easy thing on any one or any country. Your dedication is appreciated and waving our red/white/blue makes me proud. -Angela F. in Raleigh A Thank You seems so small for your great gift of service to the American people, and peoples of the world. God Bless and keep you safe until you return home. -Angela V. in Olin, N.C. Thank you for your sacrifices and for serving our country. -Anna M. in Raleigh Thank you for serving our country and allowing us tom continue to live in the land of the free. May you be guarded by angels and the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand. Prayers are lifted for you nightly that you return safely to your loved ones. -Ann C. in Goldsboro Thank you for all you do to protect our freedom. May God watch over you and bring you home soon. Take care and stay safe and well. My heartfelt thanks and admiration for the job you do each and every day to protect those of us who often take your service for granted. Please know that you and your A BIG THANK YOU for our freedom God bless you and keep you safe. Keep up the GOOD Work. -Teresa W. in Saint Marys, WV Thank you so very much for all that you do and give to protect our freedom. You are what makes this country what it is. Thoughts and prayers are with you every day! -Arlene S. in Fayetteville, N.C. Thank you for what you are doing for our country. I was station at Bragg in 71 after coming back from Vietnam so i know a little of what you are doing. Once again thank you from my family and country to help keep up our freedom in this great country! -Art B. in Chinquapin, N.C. Thank you for your service. Our nation and the world owe you a debt of gratitude that can never be adequately paid. I pray for your success and safety. God Bless. -Alan S. in Raleigh, N.C. I watched as a child, as my uncle left to go off to Korea. I remember my grandfather sitting in his old chair saying nothing. Being very young, I didn t understand at that time what he was thinking. Years later, As my brother and my brother in law left to go to Vietnam, I then knew what my grandfather was thinking. Will I see then again? Both did make it back home but so many did not. It is hard to express the gratitude we have for our service men and women because it never seems to be enough. A simple thank you surely is not enough to show how we feel. But, to many of our service men and women who did return without receiving a simple thank you it would have meant a lot. So, I am saying to all of our service men and women, those who served and returned and those who are now serving, and to the many who served and did not return, thank you. God be with you and your families. -Ann S, in Winston-Salem, N.C. As with most extremely important jobs (police officers, fire fighters, etc.), we just assume that our military will always be there to protect us. I just wanted to stop and take a minute to say thank you for everything you do! Come home safe. -Jodie in Kernersville, N.C.

4 night. From the family of LT. Col. John Arden Watkins (deceased). -Alice and sons, John, Jr. and Brett in Raleigh, N.C. Thank you for your service. My husband attended the Naval Academy and served in the Navy. I grew up in an Air Force town Seymour Johnson and have various relatives who also served in the Army and Coast Guard. We appreciate what you do! -Ann & Ken S. in Greensboro, N.C. Thank you all for the service you have given to make and keep the United States safe and free. Thanks to those Heros who gave their all so that most of us could go on oblivious to what is going on around the world. Thanks to your families who wait and pray for you at home. Thanks to all the mothers who cry silent tears every night. Thanks to our God who loves us all. Again thanks. You are in my heart and prayers. May God Bless You All. -Renee Copple in Michigan I m so very thankful for your willingness and courage to serve our country. Thank you for all that you do. May God bless you each and every day as well as those you love. -Ashley A. in Tarboro, N.C. There are many articles published and statements made in appreciation of our men and women in uniform around national holidays but we should all be thanking and remembering daily the sacrifices made on our behalf by those who are fighting and have fought on foreign soil in dirt, dust, mud, ice, snow and in swamps, deserts and on mountains to insure the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. -Alice W. in Raleigh, N.C. My husband went where Congress directed for 20 years as a military officer. His life was shortened due to those orders but he believed in his mission of protecting his country, the freedoms the United States offers and protecting those he loved and the many he would never know. You, our young men and women in uniform, are doing the same today. For those of us who have traveled to other countries, we know there is no place on earth where one can enjoy political, social and religious freedom as those of us blessed to live in the United States of America. Bless you our special warriors and patriots for laying your lives on the line, keeping us safe and allowing us to sleep without fear each Dear Beloved Soldier, We are so incredibly thankful for, and to, you and your families. The great sacrifice you make, every day, goes beyond mere words to describe, we can only guess. We have known some of you personally, and know the hardships you face in simply keeping a family together, never mind the day to day struggle for survival. I sit in my home, teaching my children to love one another, yet you are the real teachers. You love us without knowing us, by helping to secure our freedoms. Please feel free to contact us by skype or , so that we can tell you personally how much we love you and pray for you often. Please tell us how, specifically we can pray for you, as well. We are grateful for your service to our country. With loving prayers,david, Pamela, Tristan, Mariah, and Eden Baylock in Raleigh, N.C. To One of our True Heroes: Thank you for all you are doing wherever you are. I have a grandson-in-law who is being deployed soon, and I will pray for him as I pray for you each night. God Bless. You are a Great American!! -Ann W. in Clemmons, N.C. Our family thanks you and your personal and military family for your sacrifice and service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you everyday. Thank you for all you are doing to protect our freedom! -Brian S. in Charlotte, N.C. My husband and I have just spent Memorial Day honoring all your fallen brothers/sisters in all the wars our country has been a part of. But, we did not forget you and the sacrifices you are making for us right now. Thank you for stepping up to the plate to fight for our country and for preserving our freedoms. We have not forgotten 9/11 and we appreciate that you are defending our lives right now. We wish you safety to return to our wonderful country to continue your life in the freedom you have won. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service.

5 Behind you all the way, be safe. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. -Bill C. in Greensboro, N.C. How can we ever thank you enough for you generous, brave, selfless acts that keep us safe and the enemy at bay? There are no words to properly thank you. Please know that you are in the hearts and prayers of so many. I pray for your safety and that you will be blessed to be on your home soil when your mission is complete. Godspeed! -Barbara in N.C. I will continue to pray for you and your families. May you make it home safely. Thank you for trying to help others. The folks of Lexington, N.C. are proud of you and the congregation of Reed s United Methodist Church Will be happy to welcome you when you come home. -Barbara A-C. in Lexington, N.C. We are praying for you, your family and your safe return home. May God bless you in all that you do. We are so very proud of you!!! God Bless America and those that keep us safe. -Dolores B. in Huntersville, N.C. It truly takes a SPECIAL person to serve and protect. I pray everyday that GOD will keep you safe. Thank you for serving our Country! -Peggy B. in Prospect Hill, N.C. Our country as a whole cannot realize the sacrifice our soldiers and their families render year round. Particular attention should be given the families that suffer combat fatalities and permanent debilitating injuries. I note these issues are addressed in detail by The Patriot Foundation at which welcomes the public s support in carrying on this important work for the troops. -Gene W. in Pinehurst, N.C. I d like to thank you for the sacrifices that you and your loved ones have made (and are making) on behalf of our great nation. I pray for your safety. I also pray for our country s leaders that this great nation will once again be a proud and united nation, thanks to soldiers like yourself. -Becky in Greensboro, N.C. As a Navy daughter and now an Army wife, I know first hand the sacrifices and commitment that our military and military families give each and every day. Many, many thank yous for all that you do to keep our country s freedoms safe and strong. You are remembered and appreciated - always. Freedom should be defined as the result of all the hard working men and women in the United States military. My father served proudly in the US Air Force. Of all his many accomplishments, I am most proud of his service to our country. God bless all of you around the globe working to allow freedom to ring around the world. -Beverly T. in Hickory, N.C. As the daughter of a Pearl Harbor survivor, I know a little of the hardship of war. As a free American, I say to you who are protecting my freedom, thank you, God s blessing to keep you safe. -Bea Sherrill in Newton, N.C. Thank you for all that you do for this great country! You are a true Patriot and an honor to the USA! Stay safe and God bless you. -Rebecca G. in Mooresville, N.C. There are no words sufficient to express our gratitude for your service. God bless you and your family. We pray for you always! -Dee & Ozzie H. in High Point, N.C. Every Memorial Day, my neighborhood has a parade to celebrate and honor and remember all of you men and women who have served our country and those that still are serving. My father in laws were both WW11 vets, my brother in law is a Viet nam vet, and my son served in the Marines. I truly thank you for your service to our country and am grateful to each and every one of you. I get tears in my eyes every time I hear our national anthem, and I am so proud to be an American Citizen. God bless you all and those that have lost their lives or have been injured protecting our freedom. believe me, I do not take it for granted. I get a lump in my throat every time I see you being deployed. My heart goes out to your families. Please be safe and Thank You. -Beth B. in Raleigh, N.C.

6 Thank you for all that you do to protect our wonderful homeland! -Beverly B-P. in Charlotte, N.C. Hi, My name is Belynda Hedrick. I am a rising senior. I would just like to say thank you for all you and your fellow soldiers have done to keep not only me and my family safe, but the entire Nation as well. Thank You, and I pray for your safe return home. -Belynda Hedrick in Claremont, N.C. Thank you for your service to the United States. May you come home soon! -Beth T. in Indian Trail, N.C. If I could pile enough pieces of paper with thank yous to fill one military tank, it would not be enough to express my appreciation to YOU and all soldiers for what is done for OUR country! I am extremely grateful! -Betsy Wilson in Winston-Salem, N.C. My many thanks for your willingness to defend and protect our wonderful USA -- there have been many in my family that served and my uncle (whom I never got to know) lost his life in WWII at 18 yrs of age -- he is honored in our town on a public memorial with many others just like him -- God bless you all and God bless America! -Betsy in Wilmington, N.C. As my husband was a soldier I am so proud of the men and women who serve for our country. This is our country and we want to keep it free. -Betty E. in Charlotte, N.C. Dear American Soldier, I am deeply grateful to you for your willingness to stand up for freedom for all Americans. We don t take it lightly. Our hearts fill with pride when we see you. May God bless you and keep you safe. -Betty M. in Mt. Holly, N.C. Thank you, and we pray for your safe return home. -Bev H. in Leland, N.C. Thank you for protecting our country and our freedoms. You are not forgotten and very much appreciated. -Beverly M. in Edenton, N.C. Please accept sincere gratitude from a grateful American for your sacrifice and difficult work on our behalf. Come home safely! -Beverly T. in Henderson, N.C. It is impossible for one to tell you how VERY grateful and thankful we are for your service to our country and sacrifice of leaving loved ones at home while you are out of the country. You are keeping our country free and you are giving another country a hope for tomorrow. Your job is not an easy one and you are prayed for daily. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are not forgotten nor taken for granted. God bless you and protect you. -Barbara G. in Kernersville, N.C. Thanks from my family for your service and sacrifice for our country. It is because of your dedication that we are able to enjoy the everyday liberties that we so often take for granted. May God be with you as you serve, and may He protect and guide you until you are safely home. -Ben S. in Raleigh, N.C. Thank you for everything that you are doing and have done and will do for our country and its people. my husband is a retired MSGT(Air Force) so we know both sides of the story, him for being away and me for having him gone, it takes a lot of faith and love. thank you again and again for all you do. -Beverly H. in Cerro Gordo, N.C. Thank you for caring enough to protect our freedom. My prayers are with you every day. God bless you and the United States. -Granville S. in Santa Rosa, CA Dear One,I m a product of a veteran family. My dad served in two wars and it pricks my heart each evening to watch the news. I never personally served in the armed forces but thank you from the depths of my heart for your sacrifice, your family s sacrifice. May our Lord comfort you in your times of loneliness, frustration and despair. You are one of the last bastions of hope for our country, its freedom, our democracy. I applaud you for your willingness to step forward and to protect our most cherished blessings. May God s protection encompass all of you and return home safely to the comfort of your family. -William M. in Greensboro, N.C.

7 Bless you for you serving your country and keeping it free. I pray for your safe return. God be with you. Thank you so much for what you do for our country and for all of us. Please keep yourself safe and come back to your family safe and sound as soon as you can. -Barbara A. in Charlotte, N.C. Thank you for serving our country. Please accept our sincere thanks for your service. We come from a long line of soldiers and sailors and know the sacrifices you make every day. Our prayers are with you now and always. Suzie and Reggie Black in Mooresville, N.C. Please know that you are not forgotten and many people are praying daily for your safety. Thank you for your courage and sacrifice. May God grant a quick end to the war in which you are engaged and bring you home safely to your family and friends. -Sherry B. in Sylva, N.C. Thank God for all the soldiers who are fighting to protect our freedom. I pray for them each day that they will be back soon with their families and back to the U.S. -Betty L. in Clemmons, N.C. As the proud daughter of a WWII veteran I want to thank you for continuing to protect our country. My prayers are with you always to keep you safe. -Barbara J. in Woodleaf, N.C. I want to thank all of the men and women of our Armed Forces who give so much of themselves for so many of us here at home. What this Country owes you cannot be calculated. You are in the finest tradition of America s fighting men and women who have always kept this Country strong and free. Thank you so much. -Rod Armstrong in Kannapolis, N.C. Thank you for all of the sacrifices that you guys are making to help protect our great nation. -Ben T. in Bear Creek, N.C. Thank you for your service to our country, I know you have pride in what you are doing, or you would not be doing it. America is behind you. May God bless you and keep you safe. -Daniel H. in Littleton, N.C. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for what you are doing for our nation. You represent the finest young people in our country today. May the God of Peace be with you whether you are in our country or around the world. I am a retired teacher, so I never got to serve in the military. I greatly admire the ones of you who are so faithfully serving the USA. You may feel free to me at bmorgan1935@att.net. -Bob Morgan, Professor Emeritus of French and Mathematics, Gardner-Webb University I very much appreciate your service and good work. You are helping our country and everyone in it. God bless you. -Bob E. in Raleigh, N.C. Dear Soldier, You are a part of something so much bigger than yourself. You are a member of an elite group of men and women who have guarded our homeland for several hundred years. I thank God that there are people like you who feel the need to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. My dad is an 85 yr. old WW11 veteran who, like you, elected to serve his country. He fought in Europe and was blown up in a pillbox on the German Siegfried line. Prior to that he was at Omaha Beach. Also, my 89 year old father-in-law was stationed in the Philippines and witnessed many horrible war atrocities. I am very proud of them both and of all the unsung heroes who have put their lives on the line for people like me. Yes, you can say, I m proud to be and American...and I thank-you for your sacrifices. -Bobbie Caudill Bryson, daughter of J.V. Caudill, Jr. and daughter-in-law of Frank C. Bryson in Midland, N.C. Thank you for your loyalty and service to the cause of freedom. My prayer for you is this: God love you and not let you out of His sight, God keep and protect you by day and by night. Till we meet again may His love follow you where e er you go and what ever you do. -Joan S. in Warriers Mark, PA

8 I don t know where to begin; there s so much to say to express my genuine caring for all of you serving our country. I keep you all in my prayers every night, as well as your families & friends back home. Please know that these are not just words, but true appreciation deep within my heart. My husband retired from the Army in 1981, and served in Vietnam in the 60 s, so I know what it s like to be a wife at home waiting. God bless, guide, and protect you all. Thank you. -Kitty in Fayetteville, N.C. Thanks for defending this great Nation and for the sacrifice that you and your families make to keep the freedoms that we all enjoy today. -Eddie B. in Burlington, N.C. We are so grateful for your service. Thank you for keeping all of us safe. We know that freedom isn t free. May God Bless you today and always! -Alice B. in Raleigh, N.C. Thank you for serving our country. You volunteered to put yourself in harm s way, and that s an act that deserves our respect. -Brent S. in New Bern, N.C. We thank you for your service to this country. You are hero s to all of our family & we pray for you. May God Bless you. -Mr. & Mrs. Jerry B. in Morehead City, N.C. As a sister, daughter and mother of veterans, my heart and prayers are always with those who give up the comforts of home to insure that America is protected and free. God Bless you and keep you safe until you all come home! Thank you for your service to our country. I pray for your safe return home. -Tammy Y. in Swannanoa, N.C. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you always. I served as an Infantryman in in Vietnam and know how much it means to have the support of those back home. My family was my greatest strength in keeping me going even though there was turmoil in the streets of the United States at the time. I never gave up on why I was fighting in Vietnam. I knew in my heart that i was keeping Communism from the doorsteps of my loved ones. God Bless you and have a speedy return home. -Jim S. in Winston-Salem My thoughts and prayers are with our armed service men and women who are truly remarkable individuals. Thank you for serving our country in such an unselfish way and for helping to ensure our freedom and way of life continues. May God bless you and keep you safe! -Brenda G. in Raleigh Dear gentle person, we so appreciate your service. Stay well and God keep you in his hands till you get home to your family. -Bobbie M. in Belhaven, N.C. Thanks for your dedication and service. You are thought of and your safety prayed for daily. -Candace C. in Chapel Hill, N.C. Thanks to you and your family for all that you do so me and all families can live in peace. May God always be with you and Thanks again from the bottom of my heart. From the daughter of a Pearl Harbor survivor (Ray E. Pigate) -Christine D. in Hickory, N.C. I just want to thank each and everyone of you for sacrificing your time, well being and even some their lives to protect and serve the Greatest Nation in the World. Without you we would indeed be in trouble. May God Bless you and keep you safe for without HIM we ALL would be in Trouble! THANK YOU AGAIN!!! -Conway Morphis in Walkertown, N.C. I appreciate the sacrifice that you are making for our country. Without you we would not have the freedoms that we so often take for granted. Your bravery and courage are an inspiration to us all. Remember John 16:33... These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. God be with you and your family. -Christian A. in Clinton, N.C. Your sacrifice is immeasurable - and appreciated by those for whom you serve. Remain safe -Cathy in Matthews, N.C.

9 Thank you for your sacrifice for our freedom! You all are awesome! -Camille P. in Raleigh Thank you, thank you, thank you, for serving our country. I am proud of each and every one of you and the sacrifices you are making. May the Lord keep you and your family. YOU are what it means to be an American. Thank you for all you do for our great country. My prayers are with you that you remain safe and return home safely. -Candi L. in Hampstead, N.C. Our freedom as Americans means so very much to us, and what would we do without it, when we take it for granted all too often? Heartfelt THANKS to our men and women in the military for protecting and defending us with such loyalty and devotion to duty. May God bless you, each one...for you are our heros! -Judith C. in Boone, N.C. Thank you for your service. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated. -Christopher A. in Southern Pines I have been a mother of a solider for over 23 years so I can t begin to tell you the pride that I feel every time I see a person in uniform. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service. You have made our country what it is today through your dedication to keep our country safe. God bless each of you. I pray that He keeps you safe. -Carol W. in Ramsey, IN I m so happy to have a way to be able to let everyone in the military know how much I appreciate your service. You defend our freedom, protect our country and make daily sacrifices that we are not even aware of. I live in a small town in N.C. and work in Havelock close to Marine Core Air Station Cherry Point. We have a lot of contact with Marines there and I am always impressed with their attitude of confidence and respect. I wish you safety, success and the knowledge that your country loves, honors and depends on you. God bless you all. -Carol Dixon in Oriental, N.C. Hi, we hope you enjoy Our State magazine and that it is a bit of oasis from your duty station. Don t think that you are forgotten; everyone here wishes you well and hopes for your swift return. -Bill and Phyllis M. in Greensboro, N.C. Thank You for your selfless Acts that provides all the Freedoms that we have as Americans! -Brenda B. in Walstonburg, N.C. Thank you so much for serving our country. We all really appreciate you. Best of luck to you and yours. -Caroline B. in Greensboro, N.C. I pay great tribute to our service men and women everywhere. Fort Bragg holds a very special place in my heart because my son joined the army and was stationed in Germany for the next 4 years and then we moved from Ohio to N.C. and he put in a transfer to be stationed in Fort Bragg and eventually made the transfer. Fort Bragg was visited many times within the next 4 years for the air shows and many other visits. Fort Bragg made it possible to reunite our family and watch my son proudly serve our country while he was stationed at Fort Bragg. -Caroline P. in Rocky Mount, N.C. I hope you are enjoy the magazine they are sending you. I m thinking about you and the work you are doing. Take care of yourself and know you are appreciated and prayed for. -Carol D. in Greensboro, N.C. Thank you for your service. We are proud of what you are doing. Our military and their families are always in our prayers. As a 27 year veteran of the Navy,our family knows it is also hard on the families at home. God Bless and stay safe. -Ray & Carol W. in Garner, N.C. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO TO PROTECT OUR NATION... -Carson C. in Linden, N.C. I would like to thank each and every one serving in the U.S. Military. Please accept my heart felt thanks for the great job you are doing. Stay Safe and God Bless you. -Jack, a veteran, in Fayetteville, N.C.

10 As a wife of a retired 32yr Special Forces vet, I appreciate your service and dedication so much. I admire your wives, girlfriends, parents, children etc, and what they ve endured because I ve been there. Be safe always and know that you re loved and thought of as HEROES, no matter what job you have, wherever you are. God bless you. -Alice S. in Raleigh, N.C. My freedom is so previous because of your sacrifices. These words can not express how much I thank you. You are my heroes!! -Catherine J. in Morrisville, N.C. We have 9 military installations in eastern N.C. (as you probably know), so we can relate to most everyone in the military, regardless of branch! Thank you so much for your service and the sacrifices you and your family are making. We appreciate you and pray for your health and safety. God bless! -Debbie R. in Greenville, N.C. Thank you so very much for all that you do to keep our country safe and to ensure our freedom!!!! -Cindy B. in Pittsboro, N.C. God Speed! Thank you so much for your service. You are all truly heroes! -Charles G. in Garner, N.C. You are in our prayers for safety and a quick return home. Without your love of our country and VOLUNTEERING to protect us, we would be in grave danger. May God watch over you at all times. -Carol B. in Greensboro, N.C. As an 88-year-old veteran of WWII I can appreciate what you are going through. I made it back OK, but lost a brother over there. You have my sincere thanks and appreciation for the sacrifices you are making. I pray for your safe return, and I pray for our country! -Clarence Whitefield, Maj-AGC (US Army-Ret) in Chapel Hill. N.C. Dear Soldiers, Thank you for your selfless service to our country and each other. When I look at the news and see the challenges you face on a daily basis as you do your job, it makes me very proud of all you young Americans who are willing to serve. You are America s leaders, and with people like you, we will continue to be strong as a nation in the future. Memorial Day remembers previous generations of Soldiers...and this renews our faith and appreciation for all you do today! Thank you, God bless you and HOOAH! -Suzanne Carlton in Pinehurst, N.C. Very simply, I appreciate your service to this country - you help give us the freedom we enjoy. Thank you. Thank you so much for the sacrifices you make each and every day. I pray that God will continue to surround you and those you love with His grace and love. Be safe! -Cheryl C. in Marion, N.C. I am so proud of you and all the men you serve with! -Chris C. in Lumberton, N.C. I want to let you know how proud I am to be an American, I don t take your sacrifice for granted and I pray for you all the time. I grieve when I hear of American Lives being lost. I could never do what you have so bravely done, to leave your home and to protect your country for the freedoms we so easily take for granted. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My children and my grandchildren thank you. I pray for your safe return to your family and friends. Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, be all glory and honor, dominion and power for ever and ever. God Bless America! -Crystal C. in Winston-Salem, N.C. We are so thankful for all you do and not only to you but to your family as well!!! Our prayers are for all of you to return home and for peace to be restored!!! -Mary Lou B. in Apex, N.C. Thank you and may God bless YOU! -Cindy W. in Greensboro, N.C. Thank you for keeping our nation free by sacrificing your time away from family and friends. Stay safe and know someone in Cary N.C. is praying day and night for you. Prayers and Hugs. -Crystal Ellison in Cary, N.C.